Thank-you for all who commented. Now I am totally confused. First, I admit,
I HAVE NOT DONE MY RESEARCH. The reason I ask for opinions is so I do not have to read through all the mostly advertisements mumbo-jumbo and try to understand. Personally, when I read something such as a "feature" stated by a manufacturer I get a slight shiver up the backside of my neck. I do not recall the exact details, but just for one example, in research for a possible new Zero Turn mower, something like "X209Z10 hydraulic series 10 steering pumps ( I made this up). Ok, so what ? I have NO clue what these are or are they better... or ....? My brother had bought "fancy" outdoor garden hose then read NOT to leave the hose in the sunlight.... Really ? ==> Surprise !
So, back to basics.
Mark said "you might want to look at the Everlast Power i-MIG 200. It has MIG and stick capabilities". This would be great for me since I have rods already, and have done some limited stick welding. It is $800 (Amazon) which is price wise about the same as the Hobart 190.
If anyone knows, I'd like to understand the following: If I buy the Power i-MIG 200:
Q.) If I decide later for add gas, is there ANYTHING else I need to purchase ? Or, does the gas connectors / gauge (
all) come with the machine.
Q.) The description says "Capable of SMAW (Stick) welding when MIG conditions aren't ideal / Flux core capable".
This uses the word "Capable" twice..... Is there
ANYTHING else needed to purchase for Stick / Flux core or does everything come with the machine (except consumables of course)
Q.) The machine is claimed 100v / 220v. Great, how is this changed ? Is this straight forward, or is major surgery required ?
Q.) Wire ? The description says" Wire roll size and diameter .023”-.045” (with optional drive rolls and contact tips) Spools up to 8” in diameter (10-12 lbs)"
If I use .030/ .035 flux core, do I need to buy something else ?
If you are wondering why all the different questions, one review on Amazon stated "The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was the 5 foot ground - really 5 foot? So I have ordered a 15 foot ground but why doesn't this come with a ground cable of at least 10 foot? I'd have paid the extra few dollars for the unit to come with a longer ground. What are we talking $30 or so"
So, to me, this is one of the little issues I call => "SUPRISE !". Again for ME, a 5' ground cable is NOT going to cut-it. I guess for some, it would depending on your setup. But,...
Sorry, so long here. I don't know what I don't know.
I know I could dive head-long. But, requesting a little knowledge from you.